Community Educator and Engagement Officer - Arts and Culture

Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 23,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.

We’re committed to specific goals and targets that emphasise our collaborative approach with iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role 

This is a community-facing role designed to deliver arts and culture education activities and support meaningful engagement across Waitaki. As Community Educator & Engagement Officer, you will design and deliver learning experiences that connect people to our cultural facilities, exhibitions and history, foster pride of place, deeper understanding of our arts and culture, support inclusive participation, and promote shared understanding between Council and community.

You will design interactive, self-directed arts and culture education activities that support, and drive uptake of, the programmes and exhibitions at our cultural facilities, as well as contribute to key community events. 

You will support the delivery of wider engagement activities across the district, ensuring our people and communities are well-informed, included and empowered to participate in shaping Council’s work.

This is a part-time (0.5 FTE) fixed term position, which sits within the Community Engagement & Experience Directorate and reports to the Community Engagement Lead.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring 

The preferred candidate will have: 

A relevant tertiary qualification in education, arts and culture, communications or a related field. A full New Zealand driver’s licence is required. This role also requires a satisfactory police vet under the Children Act 2014. 

• Cultural Capability and Facilitation 

Confidence and passion for designing arts and culture education experiences, and helping others engage with our facilities, art, culture and history. You’ll be someone who understands the benefits that art and culture bring to communities. 

• Community Engagement Experience 

Experience in community engagement, education programmes or events. You’ll be a strong communicator who enjoys working with people from all walks of life and bringing communities together through shared learning and connection. 

• Relationship Building and Collaboration 

A genuine ability to build trust and connection with schools, community groups, and colleagues. You will bring a collaborative approach to partnerships and support both Council teams and external stakeholders to work together effectively. 

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative, and sustainable community through efficient and effective governance and service delivery.

At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:

• Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district's infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community.
• Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
• Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.

WDC is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a better place to live, work, and visit. Join us in our mission to build a vibrant and prosperous future for our district.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. International research tells us that women and people from minority groups don't always apply for roles if they are concerned that they don't meet every single one of the requirements. We're open to talking to you about how your skills and experiences could be a great fit with what we need and what we’re trying to achieve.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary for this position will commence between $72,042.09 and $84,755.41 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications close Friday 10 April 2026.

For any queries related to this position, please contact people@waitaki.govt.nz.